Woman with Cerebral Palsy Grateful for Community’s Support During COVID-19

Emily Progin, PR and Communications Coordinator

eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399

Release: Immediate

WOMAN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY GRATEFUL FOR COMMUNITY’S SUPPORT DURING COVID-19

“I Am So Thankful”

MARYSVILLE, Calif.—38-year-old Lindsey Wells has a simple goal: to finish her degree in Early Childhood Education so that she can pursue a meaningful career. Living with cerebral palsy, Lindsey faces unique challenges and barriers every day. She is thankful for her Marysville community this holiday season as they rally to support a critical need during COVID-19.

Lindsey was born with cerebral palsy but not diagnosed until she was 14 months old. She has never been able to walk. While she has refused to allow her diagnosis to get in the way of her independence or her dreams for the future, Lindsey cannot move forward without assistance. She needs reliable accessible transportation to continue to pursue her education—a particularly critical concern during COVID-19.

“My main transportation is public transportation,” she explained. “I am in a power wheelchair, and most of the time public transportation can only accommodate two wheelchairs at a time. I have had to miss doctors’ appointments, and it’s difficult for me to even take groceries with me on the bus. I’m truly grateful for public transportation, but I wish it could be reliable. I have had to wait in hot or rainy weather for long periods of time.”

COVID-19 has made Lindsey’s lack of reliable transportation even more challenging and isolating. “They have had to cut down on the number of passengers that can ride the bus at a time,” explained Lindsey.

Lindsey has started a verified fundraising campaign with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live to bring an accessible vehicle within reach. Donate at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/18129/

She is humbled by the response from the community so far: “I am so thankful to everyone for their continued support.”

You can donate in honor of Lindsey Wells at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/18129/ or by calling 800-642-8399.

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover only verified expenses, including the cost of an accessible van. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.

Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $145 million to pay patient expenses. ##